In an excellent report from McAfee, they identify numerous search keywords that are highly popular with Internet users, which are used to embed malware of various sorts on your computers.
Unsurprisingly, the terms used are among the most popular terms people use to search for information. Surprisingly, one that wasn’t included among the top of the categories was the very popular ‘Viagra,’ although 1.6 percent of searches were infected.
The report covers a lot of individual companies and even names names of some of the more notorious websites that lead to malware.
As far as categories go, the leading ones leading to malware were Screensavers 59.1% 34.4%; Free Games 24.7% 6.8%; Work From Home 15.6% 3.1%; Rihanna 12.6% 2.4%; Webkinz 11.4% 1.9%; Powerball 9.3% 1.5%; iPhone 7.9% 1.2%; Jonas Brothers 7.9% 1.2%; Twilight 6.8% 0.9%;Barack Obama 6.2% 0.7%; Taxes 4.9% 0.4%; and Viagra 1.6% 0.1%.
Also included in the report is a country-by-country breakdown of the worst violators.
A quick note: Just because I included photos to enhance the story doesn’t imply those are actual places that malware infections are located.
Perilous Internet Surfing
McAfee Releases Riskiest Search Keywords to Watch Out For
Trend Themes
1. Malware-embedded Search Keywords - Companies can develop anti-malware software to detect and block search results that contain identified harmful keywords.
2. Most Vulnerable Search Categories - Businesses can invest in educating their employees about safe web browsing habits to prevent malware infections, especially when browsing highly vulnerable websites such as those related to screensavers and free games.
3. Country-specific Malware Risks - IT professionals can use McAfee's report to gain a better understanding of malware infection patterns in different regions and develop targeted cybersecurity strategies accordingly.
Industry Implications
1. Cybersecurity - The identification of new malware-embedded search keywords highlights the need for innovative cybersecurity solutions to protect individuals and businesses from cyber threats.
2. Employee Training and Development - Businesses can offer employee training and development programs focused on safe web browsing habits to reduce their vulnerability to malware infections.
3. Market Research - Market research firms can use McAfee's report on the riskiest search keywords to identify consumer behavior patterns and preferences, especially regarding screensavers, free games, and work from home opportunities.